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Be generous - but also be careful

When you open your mailbox, the appeals pour out, often accompanied by tales of woe and photos designed to move our hearts.

When we head out to various stores, we may encounter "angel trees" where requests for gifts are placed; charity workers ringing bells as they man their collection pots; barrels and boxes where we can drop off toys and other items to benefit this group or that; and even children lined up as you exit the grocery store, hoping you'll help their sports team or some other group with which they are associated.

And, yes, even here at The Reporter we've been telling you that we are serving as a drop-off site if you would like to help out Laurel House, the county's only shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

Plus, we run notices for Toys for Tots, for police departments collecting food and toys, and for other community groups trying to do their part.

THE CALLS for help can become overwhelming.

But before you send off those checks or hand over your hard-earned cash to someone with an outstretched hand, be sure to do your homework.

It's one thing to contribute directly to a cause with which you are familiar - a local homeless shelter, a church charity, a food or toy drive that goes immediately to a spot in the community.

But it's another when you are solicited by phone or mail, and you're not sure if the request is legitimate - or whether your donation will truly help out or simply line the pockets of those running the "charity."

Sometimes it's difficult to let our minds rule our hearts during the holiday season, when everyone seems to want to help out.

But you can best aid others if you make sure you do your homework first.

And if you're not sure where to start, here is a suggestion.

The Department of State operates a Web site profiling the more than 6,400 charitable organizations in Pennsylvania. The site - www.dos.state.pa.us - lists how much each charity spends on fund-raising and administrative costs, and how much they funnel to the cause they support.

THE STATE BUREAU also provides the following tips to help make sure your donation goes to a spot where you can actually make a difference:

Don't give to a charity if you know nothing about it. Find out where the money goes before contributing.

If you are solicited for a contribution in person, ask to see identification.

Don't donate over the phone if you are not totally sure of the organization.

Check to see if the charity is registered with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations by visiting the online database or by calling the bureau at (800) 732-0999.

We don't want to deter you from lending a helping hand during the holiday season or at any time of the year.

We just want to make sure no Grinch is attempting to thwart your charitable efforts.